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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.